Ray Hanania
Middle class needs a champion
.
By Ray Hanania
.
Last week, I wrote about how Fritz Kaegi artificially increased assessments on properties across Cook County in order to protect business property owners who are big donors with political clout.
Kaegi knows voters have no lobbyists and are easily forgotten in Cook County and in the state by people like Illinois Gov. JB “Daddy Warbucks” Pritzker.
The middle class — especially if you are white — are ignored by Chicago officials, who blame them for the violence sweeping through the city, excusing the criminals who get all the attention, benefits and even government funding to address their “needs” and blame law-abiding citizens.
No attention is on middle class and struggling renters and homeowners and even less on seniors, who are easily appeased by trinkets of empty rhetoric and promises.
Politicians today intentionally focus on the great political divide between the “We Hate Trump” movement and the “Pretend Joe Biden Can Think” movement. It’s about them, not you.
But readers overwhelmed me with letters on Kaegi’s oppressive assessment hikes, which add to the pressures and reduce their incomes in the face of rampant inflation. This pushes interest rates up and worsens the economic environment.
Here are a few (with names left out as promised):
“I am renting in Tinley Park, have probably one of the worst landlords in the world whereby I have had to contact local village to get him to fix things in building (everything from roaches to facility plumbing issues). Then, he acted when the village contacted him.
“I am a single 76 senior w/a disability, and now, I got a renewal notice whereby he will increase my rent $240/mo; threatening that if I don’t sign by 11/1 he will increase rent $440/mo. This is a 25% increase in my rent. He blames it on property taxes and suggests that I contact my local rep about the high taxes and not to re-elect them. I have his letter to prove this. Well, that doesn’t help me! I need help w/this situation. Why don’t we have rent control? I don’t know where to go w/this; I can’t afford to move nor can I afford this increase w/the cost of everything from food, insurance, etc.
“I will be thrown into court or forced eviction w/no where to go. I have contacted my local IL house and senator; but don’t hold your breath on them getting back to me. I have lived in this building for 11+ years and he is my 3rd landlord and owns many other buildings down here.”
–Reader, Tinley Park
Don’t expect any support from Tinley Park Mayor Michael Glotz, who is more concerned with playing his games of ugly politics and name-calling than rolling up his sleeves and being a good mayor like a predecessor, Ed Zabrocki. Glotz can text stupid things to people but won’t help his own residents?
“Hello my taxes rose over 100% so I went from just under $12,000.00 a year in taxes to $24,000.00 per year so this will force me to sell and I will leave Illinois for Indiana. Makes no sense to work extra hard just to give this money to a county that is literally forcing us out … I don’t think anything can be done to fix this; it’s Cook County, well Crook County, and the only way to get away from their control is to take steps to move out.”
–Reader, Crook County
“Per your request, my property assessment increased from 25,371 in 2022 to 35,001 in 2023. This is an increase of 38%. I have appealed this twice and provided assessed values lower than mine, but the appeals have been denied.”
–Reader, Orland Park
Empowering Kaegi are failed leaders like Glotz and Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau, who are more concerned about fanning flames of political extremism than being good public servants. This isn’t about Democrats and Republicans, but about failed leadership. Do you ever hear either talk about rising assessments?
One reader advised that property owners can “apply to the State Property Tax Appeal Board, thanks to the bill Maureen Murphy sponsored.”
Murphy was a real Republican who was effective, not like the losers in Cook County today. She tried to reform the Cook County Board of Review, but her efforts were blocked. The Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board can be reached at PTAB.Illinois.gov.
But the real answer to Kaegi’s arbitrary political action to help his business pals is to push the state to take some action.
Don’t hold your breath.
The middle class needs a leader who will fight for their rights. Where is that person?
(Ray Hanania is a former Chicago City Hall reporter and award-winning columnist. Visit hanania.com for more opinion.)
Local News
Rush rips USDA over plight of black farmers
Spread the love‘House is on fire,’ congressman says From staff reports U.S. Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-1st) recently questioned U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack about what Rush called “the dire prognosis of black farmers in the U.S. and the steps USDA is taking to help minority farmers.” “As you well know, our nation’s…
Charge man with Archer Heights carjacking
Spread the loveBy Tim Hadac Police say they’ve solved a carjacking that occurred in Archer Heights earlier this month. An 18-year-old Southeast Side man was charged with aggravated vehicular hijacking in connection with the crime. Monte Handley, of the 9000 block of South Muskegon, was apprehended by police in the 7500 block of South Ellis…
Charge man in shooting of 2
Spread the loveBy Tim Hadac A 22-year-old West Lawn man was charged with two counts of aggravated battery, as well as aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, after he was arrested in the 3700 block of West Marquette Road at 4:06 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17. Isaiah Barco allegedly shot two men in a crime that…
Many crimes down in Orland, but weapons arrests concerning
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Orland Park Police Chief Joseph Mitchell had mostly good news when revealing the village’s 2021 crime statistics. But one glaring area that has him bothered is the number of unlawful use of a weapon arrests that have been shooting up. Mitchell and Mayor Keith Pekau attribute it to felons from…
Former GOP allies to battle for county board race
Spread the loveGorman wants to reclaim seat from Morrison By Bob Bong A battle royale is brewing in the race for the Republican nomination for Cook County Board’s 17th District. The 17th District is one of only two county board seats held by Republicans and it has only ever had a Republican commissioner dating back…
Palos Park inches closer to gaming solution
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Signs are pointing to the fact there probably will be limited video gaming in Palos Park. Mayor John Mahoney and the village council rejiggered a few things with an ordinance and some of the village codes and the end result is that Monday they asked village attorneys to look into…
Police reports
Spread the loveShot in the head, killed on Archer A 33-year-old man was shot in the head and killed as he drove a vehicle in the 4200 block of South Archer at 5:13 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 22. The victim was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 5:47 a.m. Police said…
Tabares backs West Lawn Branch Library
Spread the love Twenty-third Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares (left) recently toured the renovated West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St.,, with new branch manager Mina Duarte. Details about the renovation’s may be found in the West Lawn column in the January 28 Greater Southwest News-Herald. –Supplied photo
Chuy backs Starbucks unionization
Spread the love U.S. Rep Jesús “Chuy” García (D-4th), white mask, recently stood with those who support unionization of Starbucks workers, outside a shop in the city. Workers are attempting to organize under the banner of Chicago and Midwest Joint Board, Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union. –Supplied photo
Neighbors
Niego Real Estate salutes America again
Spread the love. Popular flag program underway . By Tim Hadac Clearing and Garfield Ridge residents who want to decorate their blocks in red, white and blue this Independence Day are encouraged to contact Niego Real Estate and reserve a supply of U.S. flags at no charge. The popular program to promote patriotism and community…
Lyons Mental Health Commission pulls LeaderShop funding
Spread the loveExecutive director accused of harassment From staff reports The local nonprofit service community was jolted when nearly $300,000 in mental health funds was withdrawn by a Lyons Township agency from the Western Springs LeaderShop, a social service agency that has provided youth programs for nearly 40 years. The Lyons Township Mental Health Commission…
Mount Carmel, Marist and Oak Lawn among 84 teams at Riverside-Brookfield shootout
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent High school boys basketball does not stop in March and pick back up in late autumn. For many players, playing hoops is a year-round commitment. AAU ball is a big reason for, that there are summer camps, shootouts or other events at most schools during the summer. The…
Dog lovers to celebrate ‘Fur of July’
Spread the love. By Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 . I’m starting out with some fun news. The West Lawn Dog Park Advisory Council will be hosting a Fur of July Pet Parade on Saturday, June 29 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at West Lawn…
Fourth of July not happy for everyone
Spread the love. By Mary Stanek Your correspondent in Archer Heights and West Elsdon 3808 W. 57th Place • (773) 517-7796 . Happy Fourth of July. Cannot believe I am already saying that, time sure goes. Hope it is safe and quiet for everyone and especially all of our house pets. For us its shutting…
St. Rita’s transformation is worth a look
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . St. Rita of Cascia Church, 63rd and Fairfield, continues to undergo its transformation from the sunflowery/harvest golds and browns of the 1960s and 1970s to the calming pastels of the 2000s. Since the basilica-style church…
Loss to Courage brings Red Stars’ winless streak to five games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent The Chicago Red Stars historic start to the season is all but forgotten. In the last five matches, the Red Stars have failed to win, with the latest setback being a 3-1 loss on the road to North Carolina on June 23 in an NWSL battle. The Red Stars…
Summer League Basketball | Illinois powers compete at Riverside-Brookfield Shootout
Spread the loveBy Xavier Sanchez Correspondent School’s out for the summer, but high school athletes across Illinois are remaining active during the summer sports season. This includes basketball players, who can be found at camps, open gyms, camps and even weekend tournaments. Among the more high profile hoops action in the area was the Riverside-Brookfield…
Dana Rettke and Ryan Murphy heading to Paris Summer Games
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Correspondent Area fans of the Summer Olympics will have extra reasons to cheer athletes from the United States in the upcoming Paris Games. Dana Rettke of Riverside is a member of the U.S. women’s volleyball team and Palos Heights native Ryan Murphy will represent the country in swimming. Rettke, a…
Hope Church feeds the hungry at Marquette Park
Spread the love. Kathy Headley Your correspondent in Chicago Lawn and Marquette Manor 6610 S. Francisco • (773) 776-7778 . Last week on the way to our CAPS meeting at the Marquette Park Fieldhouse, I stopped in at the Tuesday Community Dinner hosted by Hope Church every week in the auditorium. Pastors Ben and Jordyn…